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Old 01-11-2015, 03:46 PM
SavageSalad SavageSalad is offline
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Default Can a headunit with no amp blow aftermarket speakers?

I have a Kenwood headunit that outputs 50w to Pioneer 6x8s rated for 350w. I was wondering if the headunit could damage the speakers if I crank it up all the way because it seems like I get some distortion if I do. I don't have an amp just a headunit.
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1995 Mazda B2300

2.3L Lima, 2WD, Automatic, 3.73 Open diff

MODS: Kenwood headunit, Pioneer 6x8s, LED dash lights, Throttle Cable Mod, '06 Mirror Swap, Rough Country 1.5 inch lift coils (4.0L), 15x8 Black Rocks, 30" General Grabber AT2s
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Old 01-11-2015, 03:49 PM
ranger024x4 ranger024x4 is offline
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Default Re: Can a headunit with no amp blow aftermarket speakers?

Yes.

Clipping kills speakers...

Btw go by rms ratings, not peak
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Old 01-11-2015, 04:33 PM
casey.mikl casey.mikl is offline
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SavageSalad View Post
I have a Kenwood headunit that outputs 50w to Pioneer 6x8s rated for 350w. I was wondering if the headunit could damage the speakers if I crank it up all the way because it seems like I get some distortion if I do. I don't have an amp just a headunit.

When you crank it up and it sounds like crap that's what will kill them. Turn it up as high as it's clear. Don't let it sound like it's breaking up.
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Old 01-11-2015, 06:01 PM
GLH GLH is offline
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Default Re: Can a headunit with no amp blow aftermarket speakers?

Quote:
Originally Posted by SavageSalad View Post
I have a Kenwood headunit that outputs 50w to Pioneer 6x8s rated for 350w. I was wondering if the headunit could damage the speakers if I crank it up all the way because it seems like I get some distortion if I do. I don't have an amp just a headunit.
No. The headunit might output 18-20 watts RMS per channel and will not blow speakers. Not even enough power to harm speakers with clipping, which it is definitely doing if you turn it up much past 3/4ths volume.

----------

Quote:
Originally Posted by SavageSalad View Post
I have a Kenwood headunit that outputs 50w to Pioneer 6x8s rated for 350w. I was wondering if the headunit could damage the speakers if I crank it up all the way because it seems like I get some distortion if I do. I don't have an amp just a headunit.
Your speaker wiring is pretty old. Run new 16 gauge speaker wire from the headunit to each speaker and it will help a lot with sound quality. Unbroken runs.
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